According to him, as sports continued to be progressively part of humanitarian and development work, it was necessary that governments used sports as a vessel for development and learning, particularly at the junior level.

“Sports is an effective instrument that can help improve the quality and development of our children, families and countries in general,” he stated.

Mr Asuo said this at the launch of the Kicking for Change Project, on the theme; “Sports as A Vehicle to End Malaria”, in Cape Coast on Saturday.

He entreated the academia, private sector, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, government agencies and international organizations, the media and young people who were increasingly interested in the potential of sports to use sports as a tool to reach personal, community, national and international development objectives.

The Kicking for Change project, which is under Play Soccer Ghana is a three-year project with aim of improving on educational attainment, healthy wellbeing and life skills among young people with support from Citizens Giving of the Manchester City football club.

The project targets children between the ages of five to 25. Currently the seven institutions participating in the project are Phillip Quaque Boys, Imam Komeini Islamic Basic School and JHS, Rev. Alec Jones Memorial School, Moree Catholic Primary and JHS School, Dehia English and Arabic School, Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Elmina Catholic Cluster of Schools.

Mr Asu said the project under its Innovative Street League Programme would train participants on building self-esteem, decision making skills, preparedness for work among others.

The Assistant Coach of Elmina Sharks, Mr Felix Ahmed Aboagye said it was imperative for children to be trained on adapting life skills.

He said the development of life skills would present students with new ways of thinking and problem solving while realising the impact of  their actions.

He added that life skills could encourage young ones to take responsibility for their actions and inactions rather than apportioning blames to others and as well develop a greater sense of self-awareness and appreciation for others.

 “In a continuously changing environment, having life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of everyday life”, he said.

Mr Aboagye who is also a veteran footballer, emphasised that the younger generation needed to learn about health education and make it part of their everyday life.

He said knowledge about health, together with good living habits, could help almost everyone maintain good health and improve their quality of life.

The Coordinator of Cityzens Giving, Mr Gareth Huges urged the participants to eschew vices in all forms, be agents of peace and lead healthy and productive lives.

He said Cityzens Giving would continually support young ones to achieve their dreams.

The Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II commended Cityzens Giving for the project and admonished participants to take advantage of the project to add value to their lives and that of their communities.